Otto travelled from Jamaica to Haiti on an open container pallet. The barren landscape and ruined buildings were an unpleasant surprise for the Holtorfs. The effects of earthquakes and hurricanes were very apparent. The worst earthquake came two years after the couple first visited Haiti. Gunther says crossing overland into the Dominican Republic was "going from a brown country to a green one". Here, the Holtorfs found lush countryside and spectacular beaches.

Spectacular beach in the Dominican Republic

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Clearing up after a hurricane

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Compared to this vehicle, Otto was getting off lightly

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Otto poses for a picture on the beach

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A village of huts by the river in Haiti

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Getting ready for a bus journey. The back is decorated with a picture of a saint

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All baggage and shopping go on the roof

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Otto travelled from Kingston to Port-au-Prince on an open container pallet